CBD oil is the probably the biggest current trend in pet supplements and we receive questions daily about its use. Just to clear the air and to protect our patients from the many shoddy or potentially dangerous products out there, here are some points to consider when choosing a CBD product…for a human or a dog!
What is CBD?
Cannabinoid is a broad term covering compounds found in cannabis (marijuana) and hemp. Not all cannabinoids are the same and they aren’t all suitable for your pets. Some of the better-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD, however there are over 140 different cannabinoids present in hemp plants.
- THC is best known for psychoactive properties and is toxic to pets.
- CBD and CBDa are the cannabinoids found to be therapeutic.
Why use it?
Currently the most widely studied and supported use for CBD oil in dogs is to improve joint function usually associated with arthritis. Most owners will see an improvement within two weeks if their pet is responsive to CBD oil. While more studies need to be conducted, there is also anecdotal support to use it to treat seizures and anxiety.
How to choose a product:
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- The manufacturer or distributor should be able to provide you with a purity certificate for EACH batch they produce.
- A purity certificate is completed by an independent third party.
- It will show the concentration of CBD.
- It will also prove that the product does not have dangerous heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins that can be found in plants.
- The certificate should show THC levels under 0.3%
- The company should have completed their own studies on their own product showing efficacy and safety!
- The product should provide clear dosing recommendations based on the size of your pet.
- AND…
- Make sure you check in with your vet if your dog is on other medications. For example – pets on gabapentin will need to reduce their dose to avoid excessive sedation!
- The manufacturer or distributor should be able to provide you with a purity certificate for EACH batch they produce.
If you are considering CBD for your pet, we offer a line of CBD oil and treats at the clinic that we are confident recommending based on this criteria. We have seen positive results for many of our patients who have given it a try so please contact us if you are interested.
~ Dr. Christa Kahuda
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